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In this publicity image released by HBO, author George R.R. Martin whose novel series have been adapted into the HBO series "Game of Thrones," is shown on the set. "Game of Thrones" was nominated for an Emmy Award for best television drama series on July 14, 2011. (AP Photo/HBO, Nick Briggs )

Esther Lee

Philly.com

Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin, who wrote "The Red Wedding" scene in his "A Song of Ice and Fire" book series thirteen years ago, is facing heat from fans of the HBO show after the latest blood bath in episode 9. Is he sorry?

No, Martin said on "Conan" Wednesday evening.

"You get us to really care about character, love them, think that they're central to everything, and then you kill them," said Conan O'Brien, also a self-proclaimed "huge fan" of the show. "Why do you do that?" he demanded.

Martin responded, "I suppose you like to write the sort of stuff you like to read." The author's philosophy behind killing off beloved characters is this: "As a reader and viewer of television, I always like unexpected things. I always like the suspense to be real."

On Monday, following Sunday evening's episode of the hit series, Martin explained why he wrote The Red Wedding to EW. "I killed Ned because everybody thinks he’s the hero and that, sure, he’s going to get into trouble, but then he’ll somehow get out of it," he shared. "The next predictable thing is to think his eldest son is going to rise up and avenge his father. And everybody is going to expect that. So immediately [killing Robb] became the next thing I had to do."

A Bayonne, New Jersey native, Martin shared what the continent Westeros was supposed to represent: A land across the bay that the author would marvel over as a child, "wondering what exotic mysteries and wonders lurked on Staten Island."

As for the continual slaughter of unexpected cast members, Martin projected that he wants fans of the show who haven't read the books to maintain a level of fear. "I want my viewers to be afraid because my characters are in danger," he said.